Red and Me

by: Bill Russell and Alan Steinberg

Published by: Harper Collins

Reviewed by Edyth Abraham

Bill Russell is considered one of the best basketball players in North America. The Boston Celtics had 11 championship years out of the 13 years he was on their team.

Arnold Jacob “Red” Auerbach had been Russell’s coach for the first ten years of his career. The coach-player relationship that Russell and Red shared did not end when circumstances changed. In fact, the relationship evolved into one of friendship. When Red died in 2006, Russell did not have much to say at his funeral; he was unable to express his grief.

This book looks at his relationship with Red – a relationship that started based on a ball became one of the strongest and most abiding friendships that Russell had.

I enjoy watching basketball; I know some of the players – LeBron James, Kobe Bryant (wait…is he a basketball player or a football player?). Alright, from that comment you probably know that I am not an avid basketball follower.

But for some reason, this book appealed to me. And once I started reading, my interest was further piqued. While this is a book that is centered on basketball, it is so much more. It is the story of an unlikely friendship – a tall, black player and a short, Jewish coach. It is the story of a “bromance”, a relationship that is difficult to find among men.

The book is written very well and was a quick read with deep, though-provoking circumstances.

Armchair Interviews says: Highly recommended, especially for sports fans!